Bowish Dreams

By R. Adera

A mouthwatering offer from a mysterious entity promises a trio the life they had always dreamt of.
At the brink of success, individual priorities get in the way.
A love triangle blossoms.
Something is lost.
Another is broken.
The world they know comes crashing down on their faces.
Realization dawns on the group that all dreams come at a cost, no matter how free they are.

Bowish Dreams is intended for matured audiences.
Start reading now—you'll be desperate to binge Jeremy, Elsa and Sam's completed story!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Irinajo
• Release date: Mar 8, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215867624

Book preview

R. ADERA

Copyright

Published by Irinajo House

irinajohouse.com

Bowish Dreams © 2023 by R. Adera

The right of R. Adera to be identified as the author of this work has been asserted by them in accordance with the copyright laws.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced or transmitted in any manner whatsoever without written permission of the copyright holder, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews.

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, organizations, places, events, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

This book may contain references to specific commercial products, process or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise, specific brand-name products and/or trade names of products, which are trademarks or registered trademarks and/or trade names, and these are property of their respective owners. R. Adera or their associates, have no association with any specific commercial products, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise, specific brand-name products and / or trade names of products.

Cover Art: Nelson XP

Cover Design: Tobi Adesina

Formatting & Interior: Margaret Adetimehin

For more information, kindly visit irinajohouse.com

First Edition: March 2023

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Contents

Contents

I – PARTY AFTER THE PARTY

II – MEET THE LOO

III – FLASHBACK TO INNOCENCE

IV – POP UP

V – FROM BEAUTY TO BEAST

VI – CAREFUL WHAT YOU WISH FOR

VII – BACK TO THE PRESENT

VIII – IF I WAS YOUR BOYFRIEND

IX – COME SIN WITH ME

X – TAKE ME HOME

XI – CALL ME ANYTIME

XII – NOSTALGIC ESSENCE

XIII – PAYBACK AS A BITCH

XIV - WE OUTCHEA. CHILLING

XV – ROOFTOP ECSTASY

XVI - CONFESSIONS

XVII – HIGH ON LIFE

XVIII – DID YOU LOVE ME?

XIX – SETTING THE STAGE

XX - FUCK IT, I LOVE YOU BUT YOU CAN’T BE WITH ME

XXI – CODA

Acknowledgements

About R. Adera

Your Next Irinajo House Read

To My Love aka Lord Confidence (August 1951 to May 2022)

And my world, my mum, Cordelia Adetimehin.

I

PARTY AFTER THE PARTY

THE G-WAGON PULLED UP at Trance Vibe for the after party organized to celebrate Jeremy’s just completed tour. Jeremy had been touring the world—his longest since his leap to fame. And although stressful, he loved every second; the rush, the screaming fans, preparing backstage, living his dream…

Four more vehicles conveying Jeremy’s associates at Mad Men Inc. record label, including his manager and some producers, traced the G-Wagon.

Entry to Trance Vibe that night was strictly by invitation, as those in attendance were of high profile and the club itself had a strict policy of having only heavy pockets inside. If you weren’t invited, you could join the waiting phone line to get a commitment ticket worth four figures to gain entrance.

Trance Vibe’s ambience was worth it in all sense of the word—asides the extravagant cozy private lounges and VIP treatment you receive, there were suites assigned to a category of ticket for guests who were under the influence. Jeremy’s record label, Mad Men Inc., controlled the happenings of the club, so it was appropriate for Jeremy to have access to any room of his choice.

Immediately Jeremy entered the club, a cheer went up and those close to him received side hugs, and some star struck fans took pictures. He took his time with them, re-posing if they didn’t get the angle well the first time.

His friend, hype man, road manager and promoter, Craig, whispered twice in his ears, Let’s move this show. They’ve been waiting for you.

Jeremy’s response was a big smile for the flashing camera lights. They can wait. These people here are the ones paying the bill.

By the time Craig moved Jeremy and his personal entourage to the lounge where Mad Men Inc. manager, Mr. Kalẹ̀, and some Mad Men Inc. officials were waiting, Jeremy’s fans were satisfied with the attention he had given them.

Ugh, fuck it. Unfortunately, the time he took making his fans happy made Mr. Kalẹ̀ and the other officials annoyed. Jeremy, in his blasé attitude, stopped a waiter and got a glass of whatever alcoholic drink they were carrying.

After his first gulp, his mood mellowed speedily. The drink was prime stuff. He took another glass, checked himself, and walked to their section. He sighted Jennine but ignored her.

The man of the hour! Mr. Kalẹ̀ toasted as Jeremy joined them.

Jeremy made some showoff moves before slightly bowing his head. When he raised his head, he noticed a lot of unfamiliar faces, but one stared back at him with curiosity.

It was him.

In fitted round neck and jeans, with a snapback cap, the man couldn’t hide that he was rich, but that didn’t stop the man from looking dark and shady.

Mr. Envil, Mr. Kalẹ̀ addressed the man that caught Jeremy’s attention. This… is our star boy, Jeremy Chukwudi Akindeju.

Jeremy winced at the sound of his traditional names; he preferred going by Jeremy. Thank God his mother had named him so.

Jeremy, Mr. Kalẹ̀ blustered, Mad Men Inc. himself, Mr. Envil.

Have a seat, Jeremy. Mr. Envil encouraged, a faint humorless smile grazing his lips at Mr. Kalẹ̀’s antics.

Jeremy couldn’t understand why he felt uneasy in the man’s presence, but he sat down.

My brother told me you were a Christian boy, Mr. Envil’s faint smile had turned supercilious as he stared down Jeremy who was dressed in black-on-black attire, with a simple silver necklace and a couple of rings on his fingers, and his three-inch long afro hair, that gave him his sophisticated R & B music artist look.

Before now, Jeremy could count the number of times he’d met the man with one hand. He was something of a myth. Jeremy must be doing something good… or maybe it was the sold-out shows and his constant energy during his stage performances that had Mr. Envil come out tonight.

Christian boy? Well sir, I am. I just had a few changes. You know how the game goes. You win some, you lose some.

Jeremy confidently downed the last content in his glass, hoping he had not said something to make Mr. Envil angry because the man was silently observing him with an unreadable look.

Jeremy started from humble and rough beginnings. Humble because he loved the Lord due to his ever-Christian family and rough because he was poor. Not poor like poverty poor, but poor because he only got his needs, not his wants. It was one major reason he always took every opportunity that came his way, not leaving life to chance. He served his time in the West Church choir, where he met Elsa, his smart assistant he can’t do without. A quick glance around, and he couldn’t find Elsa, but he knew she would pop into his circle soon.

Hmm… was all Mr. Envil said, biting his bottom lip.

You get some money, you lose some traits. Jeremy added to make his point clear to Mr. Envil, who started with a low chuckle which turned into rumbling laughter.

Immediately Mr. Envil started laughing, those who were close enough to listen to their conversation, Mr. Kalẹ̀, Craig, and Jay, Mad Men Inc.’s head promoter, started laughing too.

Mr. Envil posed more questions to Jeremy, and they began conversing. Their conversation was as silent as a fart, you could barely hear what they conversed.

***

DISGRUNTLED ELSA, JEREMY’S PERSONAL assistant, just got into Trance Vibe after waiting outside for her ticket to be processed and cleared. She looked around the lounge in awe, trying not to stand still as she absorbed the yellow blue-ish dimly lit room and the moving bodies.

There are many people here to celebrate Jeremy, she smiled. Who would believe Jeremy and I met in church years ago as dedicated choristers, and now this Jeremy is the cause of so many people not going to church?

Considering how wide his music had gone it shouldn’t be a surprise to her. Jeremy, in his fourth year as an artist, had been nominated for international and national awards—minor and major ones—so this was a well-expected welcome back party for their Bowish Music Star.

Now and then, from other Mad Men Inc. members, she would hear a hushed mention that Mr. Envil, the elder brother of Mr. King—the man who discovered Jeremy when he was ministering a solo in church—was in attendance.

Mr. King had struck gold with Jeremy. Mad Men Inc. had just been re-established, and they needed a fresh headliner, without drama, to launch their label. They needed someone they could mold and control to the top.

Jeremy was the perfect specimen. The ideal experiment. Instead of dwelling on the past, Elsa chose to look for Jeremy.

It wasn’t hard finding him. He was in close discussion with the big league. He seemed comfortable and, for that night, she chose to enjoy the perks of being in the entertainment industry. Jeremy wasn’t a baby. Although sometimes he acted like one, demanding her attention and praises, tonight, he was getting all the attention he needed.

Elsa took a glass of wine from the servers, admiring couples dancing to the afro-fusion beats. When she saw a group of friends laughing, her mind started drifting to the past again.

One thing people didn’t know about their famous Jeremy here was that he was at the verge of an emotional breakdown. His mother passed away weeks ago and that accounted for how he started wasting his life, treating others—besides his fans—like trash and… Her death was mysterious. No one knew what happened. Jeremy’s father ignored him. While his sister and brother, Joanna and Benson, who still lived with their father, longed to spend time with him, but their father said no. When Jeremy had come crying to her before this tour, she took it upon herself to be there for him. Always.

A penny for your thoughts? an unfamiliar masculine voice broke into her reverie.

She blinked, turning a curious gaze to the source of the voice.

Hi. The guy looked young, bubbling with energy and a genuinely refreshing smile.

Elsa cocked her head to the side, wondering who he was.

The guy chuckled nervously. Um… I’m Nathan.

Nathan. As though she was supposed to know him. Hi.

When he said nothing more, only staring at her with pure admiration, she was tempted to ignore him. She got that look from guys often, especially from guys in the industry. They thought she was ready to toss her panties and do whatever they have fantasized of her.

Can I help you?

Erm… I was… I couldn’t help but introduce myself. I was intrigued, I had to come over to make sure I really met you in person.

Wow! Elsa smirked with dry humor. He was like the lot of them. What a way to put it.

He spluttered on, I like your nose, oblivious to Elsa’s disinterest. I’m a manager to one of the upcoming stars in Mad Men Inc. And it’s not been easy. You are doing a great job of keeping Jeremy in line. I’ll say you’re giving his manager a good run for his money—

Sorry to cut you off, but I don’t take credit for that. I just have a good relationship with Jeremy. It’s not a contest between myself and Craig. We all have a good functional relationship.

Regardless, you are doing a superb job. Erm, can I get you a drink?

No, thank you. I’m okay. Seeing his wounded expression, Elsa gestured to her half-filled glass cup. I still have my glass full. How didn’t he see that? And she knew better than to collect drinks from strangers.

He nodded, conceding. Is it okay if I sit with you? We work in the same company. Let’s get to know each other… have a nice time?

She shrugged. Oh, okay.

What do you like? Do you smoke?

Wow… so many questions.

He chuckled, a little more confident than before. It’s called ice-breaking.

She had heard rumors about herself and how she handled Jeremy. The Nathan guy must have held his balls before approaching her because she rarely interacted with Mad Men Inc. peeps. She was only with them because of Jeremy… Always Jeremy.

So… you smoke? he asked again.

Occasionally. Not tonight.

Elsa took a sip from her cup and nodded in sync to the beat of the song playing around them—one of Jeremy’s songs titled ‘Sacrifices.’

Silence ate at Nathan’s words as ‘Sacrifices’ soulful lyrics encapsulate them.

I still wonder how Jeremy got the lyrics to the songs he sings most times. This song scares me. Wait, I’d show you this part. Nathan pulled out his phone, searched for the lyrics to the song, and began singing to the tune.

"… Bad boy, nice boy, got some kills

Killed a lady for her thrills

She’s too good I can’t let her leave

With her my child won’t breed

Are you ready to stick with me?

Babe, I know you know my dreams…"

Nathan guffawed. Who says all that shit and kills the track?

As their discussion progressed, from her side view, Elsa noticed a figure walking in a deliberate saunter. It was Jeremy, and he was heading her way—no, their way. She didn’t have time to warn Nathan as he was engrossed in analyzing the lyrics to the song.

Well, Jeremy’s ominous voice drawled, in the same song, I said, I’m sorry if I act bitchy. My life is a smoking mystery. Don’t hide and bother about me. You talkin’, don’t talk ‘bout me. Didn’t I? Jeremy asked, sitting directly opposite Nathan.

Yes, Jeremy. Yes. Nathan smiled nervously. Only analyzing good music. It was dope. I was just trying to have an enjoyable time with a pretty lady.

Well, watch the way you’re enjoying the time and how close you’re sitting to her. Jeremy looked pointedly at the space or lack thereof between Nathan and Elsa.

Oh. Nathan adjusted to give Elsa space.

Elsa was getting to like his company but Jeremy, the big baby he was, had to come mess it up. She couldn’t recall the last time she had a good laugh with a random stranger.

Did she tell you what she does for me? Jeremy leaned back on the seat, his voice loud enough to carry through the loud vibrating music.

She didn’t have to. I know she is your assistant slash advisor.

Jeremy leaned forward, his voice lowering a notch. Well… you done got that. So, watch what the fuck you say to her, or stay away from my after party. He kissed his teeth. You were with me during the tour and your artist didn’t even do half of what I did on my first tour with Emzy King. Please, don’t spread your vibe to my people.

That was Myklep. Scoffi is different. He just started and has a bright future. We planned on approaching you to headline his upcoming concert with him. Nathan looked apologetically at Elsa. I’m happy to have this discussion if you are.

Covering his mouth with one hand, Jeremy smiled at how Nathan maneuvered the discussion in his favor. He sighed, dropped his arm, nodding as he thought of Nathan’s suggestion. Discuss with my manager. I’d see how I can help with that, but for now, I’d love to have a moment with my assistant. When Nathan didn’t get the memo, he added. Alone.

Oh, I’m sorry. Nathan attempted to stand up.

No. Elsa’s hand on Nathan’s thigh stilled his movement. You don’t have to leave. A stubborn glint shone in her eyes as she returned Jeremy’s stare. They had nothing to discuss, he just wanted to throw his weight.

Nathan started, Are you sure—

Stay. Pressing her hand, until he sat back down.

Oh… Jeremy’s eyes went round with surprise. This is what you want to do?

We were having a good time. Either you join us or… Elsa shrugged.

Jeremy snorted. Well, have a good day with your new gist, buddy.

Elsa and Nathan watched him leave—Elsa in silent triumph, Nathan in awe.

II

MEET THE LOO

JEREMY WENT BACK TO his section where he had a bit of privacy. Stella and Brielle were with him, but they had their phones on them and were so engrossed in making videos for the Gram. Both ladies were pretty and thick, unlike Elsa, who wasn’t classified as thick, but meant more to him that both Stella and Brielle combined.

When it came to the women in Jeremy’s world, Elsa was a priority. She was his assistant, his tie to the real him. His music won’t be this effective if she wasn’t there for